It’s looking less and less likely that Jair Jurrjens will be the Orioles’ fifth starter. Joe Saunders won’t be.

If Jurrjens and Saunders are out of the picture, let’s look at five pitchers who have a chance to take the fifth on Apr. 6.

1) Jake Arrieta

Arrieta was the Opening Day starter last year, and started the home opener in 2011. The Orioles open at Tampa Bay this year and will play seven games before their first off-day. The fifth starter is scheduled to start on Apr. 6 in Baltimore against Cleveland.

Last year’s opening game for Arrieta was terrific. Few others were, and three months after the season opened, Arrieta was sent to Norfolk.

Late in the season, Arrieta was brought back, pitched out of the bullpen a few times and now must fight to even make the club.

There’s been a lot of interest from other teams in Arrieta, but the Orioles still think he’s going to be a contributor.

2) Zach Britton

In 2011, Arrieta and Britton were the two leading winners on the Orioles’ staff with 21 victories. Last season, they combined for eight.

Britton’s 2012 was hampered by a sore shoulder, which cost him two months, and he remained in Norfolk after his rehab assignment was over.